Category: Entertainment

Mavin Records boss Don Jazzy has unveiled his list of favorite Afrobeats songs and albums, spotlighting the classics that propelled the genre from local streets to international acclaim.

In a RollingStone Africa interview, the producer paid homage to the Mo’ Hits era he co-built with D’Banj, while crediting pioneers who shaped the sound.

His top songs include 2Baba’s African Queen, which he said opened global doors for Afrobeats and Wizkid’s Ojuelegba for its authentic storytelling.

Read Also: What inspires artist signing under Mavin label – Don Jazzy

D’Banj’s Fall in Love earned praise as a continental anthem from Mo’ Hits, while 9ice’s Gongo Aso was lauded for blending Yoruba tradition with pop.

Davido’s Aye rounded out the list for its Highlife-infused energy.

For albums, Don Jazzy singled out Wande Coal’s Mushin 2 Mo’Hits, which he produced as a timeless masterpiece.

He also named 2Baba’s Grass 2 Grace, Wizkid’s Superstar, D’Banj’s The Entertainer, and Aṣa’s self-titled debut as foundational works that influenced today’s stars.

Mavin Records founder Don Jazzy has revealed that his talent scouting prioritises the artist’s character and vision over raw musical skill, describing the process as investing in the “vessel” behind the sound.

In an interview with RollingStone Africa, the producer emphasised evaluating personality, hunger, and cultural fit before signing anyone to the label.

He explained that while predicting breakout success is impossible, instinct often signals genuine drive.

Artists, he added, frequently underestimate their own potential until growth unfolds over time.

Read Also: Why I almost quit music after Mo’Hits ended -Don Jazzy

“Beyond the music, I focus on the vessel, the person. I look at their personality, their hunger, their vision. At Mavin, we also pay attention to how well they’ll fit into our culture. You can’t always predict who will blow up, but sometimes you can feel when someone truly wants it. Many don’t realize how big their dreams can get until time unfolds,” he said.

Don Jazzy stressed alignment with Mavin’s collaborative ethos, noting that every addition to the roster is vetted for long-term compatibility.

The strategy has fueled the label’s track record, launching global acts like Tiwa Savage, Reekado Banks, Korede Bello, Rema, and Ayra Starr.

Producer and music executive Michael Collins Ajereh popularly known as Don Jazzy has revealed why he nearly abandoned the music industry and relocated abroad following the 2012 collapse of Mo’Hits Records, the label he co-founded with singer D’banj.

In an interview with ‘Rolling Stone’, Don Jazzy disclosed that the abrupt dissolution of Mo’Hits, triggered by irreconcilable differences between him and D’banj, left him convinced his career was over.

“When Mo’Hits ended, I thought that was it. I almost packed up to move abroad. But friends encouraged me to stay and start again, and Mavin Records was born. Since then, I’ve learned not to let anything break me”, he said.

The split marked the end of one of Afrobeats’ most successful partnerships, which had produced hits like “Tongolo,” “Why Me,” and “Fall in Love.”

Read Also: How I discovered, signed Ayra Starr – Don Jazzy

Following the breakup, Don Jazzy founded Mavin Records in May 2012, quickly signing former Mo’Hits artists including Wande Coal, Dr SID, and D’Prince, alongside new talents such as Tiwa Savage, Reekado Banks, Korede Bello, and Di’Ja.

Under Don Jazzy’s leadership, Mavin evolved into a powerhouse, launching global stars like Rema whose 2022 hit “Calm Down” became the most-streamed African song on Spotify and Ayra Starr, whose 2023 single “Rush” earned a Grammy nomination.

The label’s current roster includes Rema, Ayra Starr, Ladipoe, Crayon, Magixx, Boy Spyce, Bayanni, Johnny Drille, and DJ Big N.

In 2024, Universal Music Group (UMG) announced a majority investment in Mavin Global, a deal widely seen as validation of the label’s influence in the global rise of Afrobeats.